Tourists, especially Westerners are an easy target for pickpockets in Prague. This type of crime is the biggest problem in Prague. Try to avoid tourist-packed places such as Charles Bridge, Old City Square, and Wenceslas Square by visiting them other than in the middle of the day. Pickpockets usually work in teams and possess an arsenal of expert techniques to ease tourists of their money and other valuables. They are mostly hunting for cash, credit cards, IDs, passports, cellular phones and electronics. Crowded tram (especially tourists routes #22 and #23) and metro cars are among their favorite trap settings. Be very alert when getting on/off a tram.
Small street exchange offices conveniently located in Prague look very welcoming but can charge you up to 10% commission or surprise with other hidden “administrative fees”. Other advertise zero commission but give very low exchange rates. Be especially wary of the outlets (many of them `Big Names`) that offer good exchange rates ONLY if changing very large amounts - the rate for changing anything below this is pathetically poor.
There are `storefront` shops that now offer good rates for changing fixed but reasonably sized amounts of money (£100 , $200). There is one at the front of Teco, and another at the Old own Square end of Celetna.
There are some money changing booths around that still give decent exchange rates for no commission - a good example is the one next to the entrance to Staromestka subway station.
Post-transaction attempts to get your money back most likely would be fruitless. Best advice is to take your business to banks or use ATM machines (bankomats).
Try to avoid flagging down a taxi on the street or ride in cars marked “transport” and/or without clearly posted fare or meter running. There are also notorious scams involved faulty meters in taxicabs. The best way to deal with this is to call a reliable taxi company dispatcher to send a taxi to you (see Taxi section). Always ask for a printed receipt showing your traveled distance and fare.
If all the above sounds too intimidating don’t be scared. Be vigilant instead and have fun. Overall, Prague is a safe and enjoyable city with very little violent crime.
Few more words on the helpful precautions to make your trip more pleasant:
- Have a photocopy of your passport including pages that contain entry visas and keep it in a safe place separately from the originals.
- If your passport has been stolen, be prepared to bring proof of your identity (for example photo ID, such as a driver’s licence, residence permit for the CR, old passport) and proof of your citizenship (a birth or naturalisation certificate, or an old passport) to the embassy. Most consulates are open for visa-related issues only till 12 noon.
- Don’t carry your passport with you all the time.
- Never leave anything of value in the parked car on a busy street.
- Avoid carrying too much cash.
- Use a foreign exchange desk or ATM machine inside a bank for more privacy and protection.
Embassies
Canada
Muchova 6, Praha 6
272 101 800
www.canada.cz
Great Britain
Thunovska 14, Praha 1
257 402 111
www.britain.cz
USA
Tržiste 15, Praha 1
257 530 663
www.usembassy.cz
